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Yet Another Budget Integrated Amp Question

I work as a Chef in a secluded resort during the summer and live right on the property in one of the cabins. Because of this I am not able to listen to music at a very high volume.

Last year I had a Peachtree Nova that worked pretty well but I ended up selling it at the end of the season to fund other purchases for my home system.

I had considered getting another Nova but now think I might like to try something else. The room is approx 12x18 with 10 ft ceilings and the entire room is bare wood.

The speakers I am using will be a/d/s/ S700's. They are 4ohm and somewhat famous for their lack of midrange clarity. Probably not the best choice of speakers in the a/d/s/ line but it's all I have at the moment.

I would welcome any suggestions for an amp (perhaps NOT on the warm side)in the range of $6-700 used or new source will be mac mini or laptop with a Halide Design dac.

One caveat I have owned most of the usual suspects from Nad, Marantz, Denon, Cambride Audio so I'm thinking would like to try something else.

Anyone with experience with the new Teac Reference line? I can get a demo AI 501 AD for around $650.

Thanks.
chrshanl37
celtic66
1,652 posts
 
Second the Mira or even the newer Rega R integrated, both will embarrass your 'usual suspects'. Not familiar with the Teac line personally, but I know them to make nicer stuff in the higher lines.

The vintage Sansui amp suggestion is correct along with Luxman, Tandberg and Yamaha, however......they will experience capacitors past their prime and perhaps other glitches such as bad pots. Also, some of the speaker terminals were designed with 18 and 20 gauge speaker wire in mind and are a pain in the arse to work with.
chrshanl37 OP
835 posts
 
I have owned a few vintage sansui's like the 717, 719 and agree they are great but as Celtic66 points out could be a roll of the dice. The Rega is definitely on my list along with Creek, Exposure and a few others. Thanks guys!
eslaudio
118 posts
 
There are a number of used Rega Brio-R for sale right now at less than $600. I owned one for about a year until I upgraded. Very impressive bass and midrange for the cost. The small size is also a plus for those who have limited space.
chrshanl37 OP
835 posts
 
The Brio is the likely candidate however I stumbled upon a YBA Heritage A100 that looks really interesting but it's just a hair out of my budget.
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
There's a couple of Primare integrateds listed here currently.  They're class d amplification.  I just purchased a new i22 model,. 80 watts into 8, 160 watts into 4 ohms. Excellent all around in terms of quality, and in my opinion a very neutral sonic signature - uncolored. Hope this helps. 
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